‘’Academic prowess does not exist in a vacuum,’’ said Alastair Anderson, Head of Senior School. ‘’The achievements of our pupils stem from the integrated nature of classroom teaching, pastoral support and co-curricular opportunity.’’ 

He continues: ‘’This award illustrates wonderfully the breadth and depth of the academic programme here at Heriot’s and the exceptional quality of the relationships between staff and pupils that is a core feature of our school.” 

Principal Gareth Warren comments: ‘’Heriot’s is delighted to have won the Scottish Secondary School of the Year for Academic Performance accolade from The Sunday Times Parent Power. It reflects our strategic focus on inspiring learning through great teaching and confirms Heriot’s status as Scotland’s leading independent school.  

‘’Looking to 2030, we are strengthening the curriculum by focussing on the development of the individual through Pupil Agency, Skills and Digital Capabilities, shaping young people who can drive their own learning and are equipped to flourish in an unpredictable landscape’’. 

The school will be sharing its Strategic Ambition in the New Year, unveiling the academic pillar as one of four focus areas. 

Heriot’s curriculum development is a process of thoughtful evolution, ensuring the school critiques and adapts new educational thinking while staying true to its core values. The rise of artificial intelligence, changes in the skills and aptitudes that employers value, and the shifting economic landscape mean that incremental change is no longer enough: an education step change is needed.  

Heriot’s ambitious, whole-school curriculum review builds on its commitment to knowledge rich, subject specialist teaching and the high attainment that follows, to ensure Heriot’s pupils are prepared for a dynamic future.  

Pictured above, the Senior School Leadership Team 2025

Scott grew up in Australia, playing a wide range of sports but most notably competing as a Men’s Artistic Gymnast from ages 5-22. In 2021, Scott graduated from university with a Bachelor of Exercise and Sports Science/Bachelor of Business Sport Management and completed an internship at the Victorian Institute of Sport working with Olympians and Paralympians across Rowing, Aerial Skiing, Swimming and Wheelchair Rugby. Before making the move to Scotland and joining Heriot’s, Scott worked at an Independent School in Melbourne, Australia with a focus on swimming, rowing, gymnastics, and hockey. It was here that Scott realised his passion in investing time and effort into the progression of women’s sports, particularly at a development level.  

Mr Young shared that Heriot’s caught his attention due to its “strong sporting programme combined with its community values which create a beautiful product of teamwork, pursuit of excellence and sportsmanship.” 

Reflecting on his first few weeks in the role, Scott is enjoying seeing the hard work of athletes in the gym paying off on the sporting field and the empowering feeling that being strong and active can give pupils.  

In his free time, Mr Young enjoys Australian Rules Football, trail running and playing Golf. 

Welcome to the Heriot’s community, Mr Young! 

Marko grew up in Cyprus where he enjoyed playing many sports. Having an initial interest in football, sailing and windsurfing, he moved to rugby aged 13. The game and the people that introduced him to rugby had a huge impression on him and he knew he wanted to incorporate rugby into his future. His playing journey took him across leagues in England, Scotland and a stint in France, accumulating 45 caps for Cyprus, including captaining his country across 4 seasons. Marko represented the Cyprus 7s team in over 30 competitions.  

Marko’s coaching career commenced in France as a Rugby Coach in the local schools of Le Puy en Velay (the town he played rugby for), followed by a period at George Watson’s College coaching multiple age groups. Most recently, Marko worked at the Murrayfield Wanderers as Rugby Development Officer for 5 years. In the past 3 seasons, Marko has worked in the Edinburgh Regional programme as a Lead Coach for the U16s programme, more specifically being tasked with leading the attack and the backline. 

Marko was drawn to the Head of Rugby position at Heriot’s because “The Heriot’s name is an institution of education steeped in history and excellence. I see my appointment at GHS as a huge privilege and a fantastic opportunity in my coaching career to build on the foundations laid by my predecessor (Ben Cairns). I look forward to working with staff to build something special through the rugby programme. Despite having only just started in this role, the warmth of the staff has left the biggest impression on me so far.” 

As Marko settles in at Heriot’s, he has already picked up on how coachable and receptive the pupils at Heriot’s have been at rugby sessions at Goldenacre; he feels there is plenty of scope and potential to achieve but to do this, players will need to invest (through effort and attention) in the way they train, the way they play and how they measure and review success and effort. Marko is passionate about pupils being the best versions of themselves through rugby and wants pupils to work hard towards creating a brand of rugby with a collectively nurturing culture and environment that players and coaches are proud to pass down for next generation of rugby players at Heriot’s. 

Marko’s love for rugby extends into his free time but he also enjoys watching the GOATs (Greatest Of All Time) executing their mastery in their respective sports; IE Lebron James (NBA), Simone Biles (Gymnastics) and tennis matches between Djokovic, Sinner & Alcaraz. 

Alongside his  appointment at Heriot’s, Marko will continue to work as a Lead Coach on the Edinburgh Regional programme and coach the Cyprus Rugby 7s team who are participating in the 2027 GSSE in Monaco (Games of the Small States of Europe – Cyprus’ version of the Olympics!) with the aim of achieving a medal.  

Welcome to the Heriot’s community, Mr Mladenovic! 

A word from Emily and Jacob, founders of the Law Society: 

‘We started Law Society because many pupils, in our year and others, were considering Law for university; we wanted a place to discuss and learn more about our shared interest. Since then, it’s been a really enjoyable and rewarding experience. We are so grateful to all the people who have attended, and especially thankful for our committee which we set up this year to help us run sessions and improve the club.  

Over the weeks, we’ve been able to hear and learn from truly inspiring guest speakers (including discovering that judges don’t actually use gavels in court!) and run an entertaining mock trial in Room 129 – ‘the courtroom’ – to learn more about court procedure and allow our members to take up different legal roles. We even had the audience play the role of jury! Though it has been hard work, we are very happy with how it’s turned out and are grateful to Miss Reid for letting us use her room (and expertise!) every Wednesday. We’re planning to have another year of engaging sessions, and hope the society continues long after we leave Heriot’s! 

We also engage with the wider school community; many of the guest speakers and industry professionals we meet are parents, former pupils and former governors of the school. For example, we recently visited the Faculty of Advocates on Parliament Square to meet former pupil and advocate Michael Upton (1982). He showed us around the impressive building, including the Advocates Library – often regarded as the UK’s leading law library – and Parliament Hall. We also held a meeting to discuss arranging a mock trial for the Law Society. The Faculty of Advocates provides cases and resources to aid this, which we’ve found extremely helpful for running successful trials. 

If you have a background in law and would be interested in coming to speak to us, please contact the office.”

As the Captains look ahead to the upcoming year, they have thought about what they’d like to achieve in their roles and the advice they have for their fellow pupils:

Eleanor: Captain

I joined Heriot’s in Primary 7 and since then I’ve thoroughly enjoyed many of the activities and opportunities it has to offer. I spend a lot of time with the school’s Cadet Force particularly the Army section where its values of teamwork, determination and integrity make it an inclusive space for all. Another one of my hobbies is hockey, it’s a great way to use my competitive spirit and represent the Heriot’s badge. I also enjoy being a member of the schools Quiz team and the Senior School Pupil Council, which allow me to contribute to the Heriot’s community in different ways. 

The one piece of advice that has stuck with me throughout my time at Heriot’s is to always try your best, challenge is a part of life but if you continue to try, it won’t go unnoticed. 

This year as Captain I hope to emphasise the ‘Be Yourself’ part of our motto - ‘Work Hard, Be Kind, Be Yourself.’ I want to encourage others to try clubs that might be different from what their friends are doing, and to take opportunities when they arise — you never know who you’ll meet or where they might lead. 

Mylo: Captain

I’ve been at Heriot’s since joining in P1 and it’s surreal after 12 years to now be entering S6. Throughout my time here I’ve enjoyed making the most of everything this school has to offer. From chamber choir tours to games at Goldenacre I’ve formed many friendships and made plenty of wonderful memories. 
 
To my fellow pupils I would say keep striving to achieve everything you wish for and remember nothing’s impossible when you set your mind on it. Embrace the Heriot’s community and step out of your comfort zone because you never know what you may stumble across. 
 
This year I aim to encourage positivity within our school by being an approachable Captain and inspiring pupils to take advantage of the myriad of opportunities at Heriot’s. 

Amelie: Vice-Captain

I joined Heriot’s for my first year of Senior School, and now as I begin my last, I can’t help but look back over the memories that I have made. From driving to Dunbar in the school minibus for a basketball game, to sunny lunchtimes spent sitting on the lawns, so many moments come to mind.  
 
I can say from personal experience of only having begun school choirs last year, that it’s never too late to get involved! I believe that it’s better to have given the things that interest you a go rather than to leave with regrets.  
 
This year, I hope to be a friendly face around school and will gladly be distracted from whatever I’m doing to have a chat in the corridors. As we move up through the school years, it can be easy to forget what matters due to the focus on preparing for the future, but I think that the most important thing is to enjoy yourself and make the most of the little moments that we often take for granted. 

Glynn: Vice-Captain

I started Heriot’s as a P6 pupil. Coming from a diverse background and having often moved between schools in the UK and China, I immediately felt at home when I joined Heriot’s. Over the past seven years, Heriot’s has helped me grow not only as a student, but also as someone who embraces curiosity, persistence and responsibility.  

Ensuring that every pupil’s voice is heard has become a primary goal of mine and has shaped much of my involvement in the Heriot’s community. I’ve been a Year Representative, a member of the Pupil Council, a Diversity Ambassador and Digital Ambassador, and a member of the school’s pupil interview panel.  

I have enjoyed working with fellow pupils and teachers to improve lives on campus and organise events which celebrate each pupil’s cultural background. I am also the Captain of the Senior School badminton team, a role I take pride in, especially as we’ve won Regional Championships in recent years. Additionally, I’ve spent four years with the CCF, where I’ve developed persistence and endurance through training.  

My advice to fellow pupils is to follow Heriot’s motto, “Work hard, Be kind, Be yourself”. Working hard has helped me achieve straight A’s and make the most of every opportunity. Encouragement from friends, teachers, the Principal, and the wider community has shown me that true excellence is more than just results, it’s also about becoming your best self and passing that kindness on.  

As Vice-Captain this year, I aim to reflect Heriot’s values: to give warm welcomes to new pupils, encourage wider involvement in clubs and school activities, and support others to help them flourish – just as others did for me.  

The search for a new Head of Senior School has been extensive and attracted a large number of candidates, nationally and internationally. Alastair’s excellent leadership and management experience, as well as the clear alignment between Heriot’s ethos and Alastair’s beliefs of what constitutes an outstanding education for young people, made him the unanimous choice for the position of Head of Senior School.

Alastair is currently Headmaster at Bourne Grammar School, a co-educational school for over 1,700 students based in Lincolnshire.  Prior to Bourne, Alastair held roles as Deputy Head, Assistant Head and Head of Boarding at Wellington School and as Teacher of History at The Thomas Hardye School. Alastair holds a PGCE in History, MEd in Educational Leadership and a National Professional Qualification in Executive Leadership.  A former cricket and rugby player and coach, he is an enthusiastic leader and participant in all aspects of the co-curriculum.

Alastair spent his early education as The Glasgow Academy and retains strong family links in Scotland:

“I am delighted to be joining the George Heriot’s community in August to take up my position as Head of Senior School. The school made a significant impact on me from the moment I stepped through the arch, from the positive welcome and helpfulness of the staff at the gate to the conversations I had with staff and pupils during the appointment process. I was struck by the modesty and grounded attitudes of those I met; also by their passion for the school and the desire to work collaboratively towards providing an outstanding education. I am a historian and a sports coach of many years, a musician and a champion of educational breadth, both in and out the classroom. I cannot wait to be involved and immerse myself in such a rich environment.

‘Having grown up in Glasgow and with family north of The Border, I am very excited to move to Edinburgh. I intend to make the very most of this wonderful opportunity to return to the land of my childhood, and to use my experience as a Headteacher in the service of the school, the 51�Թ� and the wider community. I could not be more thrilled at the opportunity to work at Scotland’s best school.”

Alastair plans to visit the school during the Summer term to begin the process of handover with Paul Fairclough, to ensure a seamless transition into August.

We look forward to welcoming Alastair to the Heriot’s community.

Very impressive work! Huge thanks to Dougie, Charlie and Team at Leith Men’s Shed for building the planters, and to Caledonian Horticulture for the compost.

In their Houses, pupils will now take ownership of the planters by adding signs and planning what they will plant in the spring.

Huge thanks to George Heriot’s School Parents’ Association for their generous contributions that made this whole project possible.

Diagnostic labs worldwide use this procedure to detect the presence of topical disease such as HIV, SARS, smallpox, anthrax, Zika, West Nile Virus and many others.

Ahead of the next assessment, this lab session was planned to showcase the theory in practice and allow our AH level students access to materials and equipment not usually available in schools.